I've been in public education for 12 years and these types of "no tolerance" policies are sadly the norm. There is usually no choice at the local level. I saw a senior student council rep just months from graduation expelled for using a box-cutter to break down a box while she was cleaning up after an after school event. Another student I taught was expelled for bringing a medium-sized samurai sword to a football game. This may sound more dangerous, but he was a special education student who wouldn't have laid a hand on anyone. He was really into fantasy, ninjas, dragons, etc. and just wanted to show the sword to his buddy. Teachers and administrators might be trusted to teach children, but we are not trusted to have good judgment when a child might need to be punished.

coachMueller wrote:I've been in public education for 12 years and these types of "no tolerance" policies are sadly the norm. There is usually no choice at the local level. I saw a senior student council rep just months from graduation expelled for using a box-cutter to break down a box while she was cleaning up after an after school event. Another student I taught was expelled for bringing a medium-sized samurai sword to a football game. This may sound more dangerous, but he was a special education student who wouldn't have laid a hand on anyone. He was really into fantasy, ninjas, dragons, etc. and just wanted to show the sword to his buddy. Teachers and administrators might be trusted to teach children, but we are not trusted to have good judgment when a child might need to be punished.

Fair enough and understood. No gray area when making the initial decision. That's fine. Sad, but understandable that peope we pay to think and teach aren't permitted to do so.

But what about the fact this didn't occur on school property, at a school event or based on teacher interjection? That it was based on a police response to, apparently, private property, during and after which they confirmd the girl was not in possession of alcohol, not drunk and was not charged as such?

This mean the girl also can't go to a restaurant that serves alcohol? A wedding reception? A ballgame?

On the surface this seems draconian and, well, stupid. If the strory is as the girl, the police and the media say, then it's pathetic.

I saw this report and wasn't surprised. I can see the administrators all debating what would happen if they let this girl off the hook and then every other kid at a party just used a "I'm here to pick up my friend" excuse. Because God forbid anyone ever have to look at a situation and think of what is right and fair. It's all CYA.